National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
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| DIY Pet First Aid Kit for Less than $10! |
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As a Veterinary Technician for 13 years and a majority of that in the Emergency field- I have seen it all. Including pets being rushed into a clinic due to an emergency from professional and not so professional pet sitters that didn't get basic first aid prior or used not the best materials to cover wounds- like Duct Tape. I mean, I won't lie, it works but it's so hard to get off!
When opening my Pet Care company- I had on a list of supplies for my staff " Pet Emergency First Aid Kits"- but when I researched, I encountered a few issues: *Too Bulky to Carry Easily in a Fanny Pack *Not the Right Supplies ( I swear one had human band-aids in it!) *Cheap Supplies that wouldn't work during the time of need the best *Not Enough or Too Many Supplies *Way too Expensive for Our Team of 10+
So, after weighing the time it would take to find, purchase, and assemble our own vs buying and editing a premade one- we opted to create our own.
Take this list of supplies and cost breakdown to create your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit for less than $10!
The Container/Bag
Cost: $1.25 each. PRO TIP: Go to the actual store to purchase or you will get black and red mix if you purchase in bulk on their website. Link: Clear and Red First Aid Zipper Bag- Dollar Tree
Triple Antibiotic This medication is used to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. It is available without a prescription for self-medication. Triple Antibiotic contains three main ingredients: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B- thus the name TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC. Cost: 24 individual use packs for $5.25. Only 22 cents each! Link: Triple Antibiotic Individually Wrapped- Amazon
Styptic Powder
Styptic powder is an antiseptic clotting agent that is made of alum, the powder stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels. Usually used for too short-clipped nails, small scrapes, and cuts. Don't use in deep wounds, body cavities, or burns. Cost: $8.50 for powder. Then, buy mini containers and fill a container- can make 20+ mini containers (8 pack for $1.25 at Dollar Tree) 16 cents per container + 50 cents for powder per container= around 66 cents per container Links: Mini 1-inch Containers- Dollar Tree
Alcohol Pads
Each pad is saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol and helps kill the germs in the area surrounding the wound or on your hands when handling one. Each wipe is individually packaged, and they do a great job of cleansing and preventing infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. Be warned though- it stings! Cost: $1.25 for 100 so less than 2 cents each! Link: Alcohol Prep Pads Individually Wrapped- Dollar Tree
 First Aid Mini Kit What I like about this tiny pocket-sized kit is that it has a little of everything and can double as your human first aid kit too- Band-Aids, swabs, multi-tool with knife, tweezers, scissors, and safety pins- trust me we have used these things for splinters- cutting a leash, taking of things stuck in the fur and more! Cost: $1.25 each Link: Mini First Aid Kit- Dollar Tree
Cloth First Aid Tape
This sticky tape is good for a little of everything- Securing splints and bulky dressings, supporting wrists and fingers, general applications requiring strong holding power of gauze, and even making labels! Cost: $13 for 12 so $1.10 each Link: Cloth Tape- Amazon
 Vet Wrap Vet wrap is a stretchy latex bandage to hold gauze pads and medication in place on the pet’s body. It sticks to itself, and not on skin or hair which makes it easy to use. Vet wrap is not intended to remain on the pet for long, but enough for daily replacement. Cost: 12 pack for $10 each. Only 83 cents each! Link: Vet Wrap Amazon
Gauze Pads
Cost: $1.25 for 10 so 13 cents each! Link: Gauze Pads Individually Wrapped Dollar Tree
Gloves
Disposable gloves help to protect against the transmission of bacteria and keep the area as sterile as possible. They also are nice, so you don't have to touch gross stuff! Can also be tied as a tourniquet in an emergency! $10 for 100 so 10 cents each! Link: Disposable Gloves
Collapsible Bowl  Besides the obvious of being able to offer food or water- it can also be good for soaking a paw would or making a soap and water mix to wash wounds! Cost: $16 for 6 so $1.7 each! Link: Collapsible Bowl
Carabiner
LIFE. SAVER. LITERALLY. It can be connected to a leash and then another object to keep a pet in place when administering care. Close and lock cages for the escape artist, temporary fix of a leash... the list goes on! Cost: $11 for 10- so $1.10 each Link: Lockable Carabiner
Lubricant Yes, yes, I KNOW ( INSERT GIGGLES HERE ) but really. This:
Cost $15 for 144 so 10 cents each! Link: Amazon Lubricating Jelly
Nail Clippers
Cost: $1.25 Link: Dollar Tree Nail Clippers Upgrade Option: $11 Miller Forge Nail Clippers
Alright, that's the list! What is something you have in your pet first aid kit that we missed? -- Amber Van Denzen Suarez is the Founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care, dually certified Professional Pet Sitter, retired Veterinary Nurse of 13 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences. She lives with her 2 dogs, 15 chickens, 3 fish aquariums, and 2 hermit crabs with her human family in Lakeland, Florida. Amber Van Denzen, CPPS Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer |
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I wanted a plastic-type of bag to help avoid any water or humidity damage. I also wanted something that was more flexible so it could be shoved into a bag as small as a fanny pack. Ultimately, I chose a clear plastic bag that was encased in red (because First Aid = red in my brain!). These bags easily fit everything I wanted and has more room if I ever want to add anything.
We don't offer grooming/nail care services, but we have had pets get nails stuck in carpet pieces, toys, etc. . This required us to get them released. So, in comes cheap nail clippers. I won't lie- you can get some at the Dollar store for $1.25 but they will rust within a year. They do the job though in an emergency + just replace as needed for a low cost. Wire cutters can also do it in a pinch. Personally- if you can swing it buy a Millers Forge Orange handle- large size- for around $11 and they will last you a LIFETIME.